Books matching: marital discord
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- #1
Save:A.M. Homes' "Music for Torching" follows the tumultuous lives of middle-aged suburbanites Paul and Elaine, whose vacuous existence is disrupted by a series of outrageous events. The novel delves into the dark undercurrents of suburban life in America, portraying flawed characters who are trapped in their own self-centeredness and desperation. The story unfolds with a fast-paced narrative, blending humor and surrealism to create a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of modern family dysfunction.
Homes' writing style in "Music for Torching" is described as unemotional and factual, effectively capturing the absurdity and anxiety of the characters' experiences. The novel features a grotesque comedy that exposes the bitterness and resentment harbored by the protagonists towards themselves, each other, and their surroundings. Through a dispassionate lens, Homes crafts a narrative that balances dark humor with psychological realism, offering a poignant commentary on American society and the complexities of human relationships.
- #2
Save:'Deep Water' by Patricia Highsmith is a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling marriage of Vic and Melinda Van Allen. Vic, a mild-mannered man, is pushed to his limits by his wife's infidelities and decides to take matters into his own hands by threatening her lovers. As the tension rises, Vic's facade of normalcy begins to crumble, leading to deadly consequences. Highsmith's writing style is described as descriptive yet sparse, bringing flawed characters to life in a chilling and suspenseful manner.
Vic didn’t dance, but not for the reasons that most men who don’t dance give to themselves. He didn’t dance simply because his wife liked to dance. His rationalization of his attitude was a flimsy one... - #3
Save:'Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation' by Rachel Cusk is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of a failed marriage, delving deep into the emotional turmoil and psychological impact of separation. The author's writing style is described as intellectual, abstract, and at times confusing, offering a unique perspective on marriage, motherhood, and gender roles. Cusk's narrative style is introspective, poetic, and reflective, drawing parallels with Greek tragedies to highlight the complexities of modern relationships.
Sometimes the matrix of a jigsaw is undetectable in the assembled picture; there are champion jigsaw-makers who pride themselves on such things, but mostly you can tell. The light falls on the surface... - #4
Save:'Siracusa' by Delia Ephron is a novel that revolves around two couples, Michael and Lizzie, and Finn and Taylor, along with their daughter Snow, who embark on a vacation to Italy. The trip takes a dark turn as secrets, lies, and betrayals come to light, unraveling the complex relationships between the characters. The story is told through alternating perspectives of the four adults, providing insights into their messy thoughts and actions. As the tension builds up, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with dysfunctional marriages, deceit, and unexpected twists, culminating in a morally troubling yet satisfying ending.
The writing style of 'Siracusa' is engaging and compelling, with multiple narrators offering a deep dive into the flawed personalities of the characters. Delia Ephron skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers hooked, despite the unlikable nature of the characters. Set against the backdrop of Italy, the novel delves into themes of infidelity, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships, painting a vivid and unsettling portrait of marriages on the brink of collapse.
I HAVE A SNAPSHOT of me standing on Finn’s shoulders when I was twenty-nine, a trick we’d perfected. I would sprint toward him and work up enough steam to climb his back to his shoulders. I look trium... - #5
Save:In "The Man of Property," part of "The Forsyte Saga" series by John Galsworthy, the story revolves around the Forsyte family, particularly focusing on Soames Forsyte, the man of property, and his beautiful wife Irene. Soames values his possessions above all else, including his wife, leading to a tumultuous and unhappy marriage. The novel delves into the intricacies of late Victorian middle-class values, family dynamics, and the consequences of prioritizing material possessions over human relationships. Galsworthy's writing style is described as lyrical and elaborate, capturing the essence of the Forsyte era with thoughtful sentiments, beautiful descriptions, and a focus on the psychological depth of the characters.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Forsyte Saga ) - #6
Save:'Something Wonderful' by Judith McNaught is a historical romance novel that follows the tempestuous marriage of Alexandra Lawrence, an innocent country girl, and Jordan Townsende, the rich and powerful Duke of Hawthorne. The plot delves into their relationship, filled with jealousy, revenge, pride, and passion, set against the backdrop of London society. The writing style is described as captivating, engaging, and fast-paced, immersing readers into the world of the characters and their experiences.
- #7
Save:Set in the transitional years between the death of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, "Falling Angels" follows the lives of two families, the Colemans and the Waterhouses, through the perspectives of multiple narrators. The story revolves around the friendship that develops between their daughters, Maude and Lavinia, as they navigate societal changes, women's suffrage, class issues, and personal growth against the backdrop of a cemetery in Victorian England.
The book delves into themes of death, societal customs, women's suffrage, class hierarchy, and transitions from Victorian to Edwardian culture. Tracy Chevalier's writing style is praised for its strong character development, multiple perspectives, and the way it weaves together various voices to create a rich narrative tapestry that captures the essence of the time period.
Then I remembered the evening before and felt rather sick. I wondered where Richard was in this huge house and how we were meant to swap back. Everyone else here – the man beside me included – was far... - #8
Save:'Dream Story' by Arthur Schnitzler is a novella set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, exploring the intimate life of a married couple. The story delves into the psyche of the characters, uncovering hidden thoughts, desires, and anxieties. Schnitzler's writing style seduces the reader into a dreamlike atmosphere, where reality and illusion blur. The plot revolves around a couple who, after resisting temptation during a night in Vienna, confess their earlier moments of temptation to each other, leading to jealousy and dangerous consequences for the respected doctor.
‘Twenty-four brown slaves rowed the splendid galley that would bring Prince Amgiad to the Caliph’s palace. But the Prince, wrapped in his purple cloak, lay alone on the deck beneath the deep blue, sta... - #9
Save:Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman follows the story of Tom Violet, a thirty-something husband and father working a mundane corporate job in Washington DC. Tom struggles with erectile dysfunction, a failing marriage, and the pressure of living in the shadow of his famous novelist father who just won the Pulitzer Prize. The novel humorously delves into Tom's personal struggles, family dynamics, and career frustrations, all while showcasing Norman's lyrical writing style that balances humor with poignant moments.
The book offers a satirical exploration of life, relationships, and work through the lens of Tom Violet. It portrays Tom's journey of self-discovery, dealing with family expectations, and navigating the complexities of modern adulthood. Norman's debut novel combines dry, sarcastic humor with beautiful descriptive writing, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged with its relatable characters and witty storytelling.
Icreep down the stairs holding my nine-iron, which is the best weapon I can come up with. This seems like a better option than Anna’s hair dryer or, for that matter, it’s better than leaping from our ... - #10
Save:"Dodsworth" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel that delves into the complexities of marriage and self-discovery. The story follows Samuel Dodsworth, a wealthy American auto manufacturer who, upon retiring, embarks on a journey to Europe with his wife, Fran. As they navigate the cultural differences between America and Europe, their marriage faces strains and challenges, particularly as Fran's desires clash with Sam's preferences. The narrative explores themes of love, infidelity, personal growth, and societal expectations, all set against the backdrop of the 1920s.
Sinclair Lewis's writing style in "Dodsworth" is characterized as elegant, engaging, and thought-provoking. Through his meticulous character development and lyrical descriptions, Lewis creates a narrative that draws readers in, presenting them with flawed yet psychologically sound characters. The novel offers a leisurely pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story of Dodsworth and Fran, their struggles, and the exploration of American and European cultures during a time of personal and societal change.
